Review: Gargoyles board game is great, just needs more Keith David

From Disney Gargoyles The cartoon was ahead of its time when it was released in 1994, a longbow narrative series lost in a landscape filled with unique episodes created for syndication. The beloved series was finally canceled in 1997, long before its time. But now, thanks to its availability on Disney Plus, it’s back in circulation for a new generation to enjoy. What better time to launch a new action-packed board game?

Gargoyles: wake up went on sale in Target back in August, and just like the original animated series it’s based on, it’s something pretty special – a little box filled with top-notch fan service and a solid game to boot.

GRAMargoyles: Awakening is a combat-focused game that is inspired by some of the best episodes of the show. The real joy of this game is all the physical bits inside the box. There’s a lavish game board, with a Manhattan skyline scene on one side and monochrome art on the other. There are also five substantial snap-fit ​​cardboard buildings, giving the play space the same kind of dynamic scale as the animated series. Publisher Ravensburger even projected the Gargoyles headlines on a textured, speckled colored plastic that is unlike any other miniatures in my collection.

The game looks fantastic and luckily the gameplay doesn’t disappoint either.

Each character on the table has a fixed set of stats and abilities. For example, the Goliath leader is a bit tougher than the other Gargoyles, while the little Lexington is a bit faster. But the secret to success comes from a small pile of cards that represent special themed moves for each character. Elisa can fire a volley of shots from her pistol, while from time to time the aging Hudson declares that he is “too old for this” and becomes genuinely angry.

The game can be played with two to five players, and given all the possible combinations of having all the characters present, it is best played with all five, even if someone has to handle more than one. That also makes it very easy for the quarterback, that is, having a player tell everyone what to do. It’s something to keep in mind, especially since it could easily turn off beginning players.

The enemies are cleverly designed. In three of the four included missions (called episodes), adversaries are automated, moving between key sections of the city, and firing shots along the way. There are also items in various missions that the characters must retrieve, and the card-driven AI offers a decent fight. There is also a fourth mission in which a player acts as a kind of master of the game, taking control of the enemy units on the board. Overall, it is a balanced and exciting game.

The only thing missing, in my opinion, is some of that original voice acting. Gargoyles took some major changes, including the addition of high-level voice actors such as Keith David and Star Trek: The Next Generation stars Marina Sirtis, Jonathan Frakes, and Brent Spiner. What I wouldn’t give to press a button, maybe somewhere in the great Eyrie building, naturally, and hear some original lines drawn straight from the cartoon.

If I have a complaint, it is that the regulation is a bit overloaded. The game’s turn structure, movement, and combat mechanics are surprisingly easy to learn and quick to teach. With some seasoned players at the table, you should be able to get started with just the character sideboard and the one-sheet quick reference guide that is included inside.

The bottom line is that if your kids have picked up the Gargoyles mistake, or if you have a super fan somewhere in your life, then this is an absolutely must-buy. But, even if you only remember the show fondly, you will likely have a great time.

You can find Gargoyles: wake up at Target stores nationwide and online.

Gargoyles: wake up it was checked with a retail copy of the game provided by Ravensburger. Vox Media has affiliate associations. These do not influence editorial content, although Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased through affiliate links. You can find Additional information on Polygon’s ethics policy here.

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